Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Security
The Government of Sierra Leone
To help advance the agenda for agricultural transformation, President Ernest Bai Koroma appointed renowned agriculture professional Monty Jones as Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Food Security in February, 2016. Professor Jones brings with him an enormous wealth of experience as a scientist, plant breeder and practitioner of agricultural research and development.
Not only a revered agricultural scientist in his homeland, Professor Jones has also received a number of accolades, including the World Food Prize in 2004, for his development of NERICA (New Rice for Africa), a set of high-productivity hybrid rice adapted to West Africa’s growing conditions. In 2007, NERICA also earned him a place on Time Magazine’s list of the World’s 100 most influential people.
Experience
2013-2016: Special Adviser to the President, and Ambassador-at-Large of Sierra Leone
2004: Winner of the World Food Prize for his original NERICA rice strain
2002: Executive Secretary, and later Executive Director of the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa
1991-1992: Principal Breeder of the West Africa Rice Development Association
1987-1990: Coordinator of the IITA/USAID Cameroon rice program
